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Kiosk Software

What is it and why do I need it?

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What does kiosk software do?

1. Ensures that your application is secured and always running

2. Prevents misuse 3. Allows kiosks to remain unattended4. Protects the application by:

1. blocking users from ever reaching the Operating System (OS)

2. Blocking users from reaching the desktop3. Limiting browser use

5. Prohibits users from:1. Changing systems settings2. Surfing the Internet3. Overwriting files stored locally on the kiosk 4. Accessing sensitive company, employee and user information.

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Application Software vs. System Software

• Application software is designed to interact with users and provide the kiosk functionality.

• System software protects the application.

The kiosk system software wraps around the application software, rendering all else inaccessible to users and provides kiosk managers access to the entire system with a passcode, mouse sequence or key combination.

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Kiosk system software best practices

Keyboard filteringVirtual KeyboardAttract Screens/Session End FeaturesFile Download BlockingExternal Device SupportRemote monitoring

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Keyboard Filtering

It is critical to disable certain specialty keys and key combinations. The keys could open a new window, dialog box, menu, or allow users to escape the application altogether. This allows access to the OS where users can easily navigate to anywhere on the kiosk.

Specific keys and key combinations that should be blocked:• CTRL+ALT+DEL – allows access to the task manager • F1, F2, F3…F12 – can open a new window and can be customized

to load windows that are not appropriate to the kiosks function• Pause – a user could hit this and walk away from the kiosk,

leaving an inappropriate screen on the kiosk• Esc - can allow the user to escape the entire application• Windows – opens the start menu • CTRL+P, CTRL+N, etc. –

opens the print dialog, opens a new window• ALT+F4 – exits the application• Menu – opens a pull down menu of the application

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Virtual Keyboard

The virtual keyboard, which works with touch screen hardware, reduces hardware vulnerability by eliminating the need for a physical keyboard and mouse.

The keyboard is kiosk-specific, meaning certain keys (such as CTRL+ALT+DEL) are not programmed into the virtual keyboard.

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Attract Screens/Session End Features

Attract screens essentially replace the Windows screen saver, which would allow access to the OS, by rotating through images, ads or URLs instead.

• This feature can also be used to end a user’s session, by logging a user off after a certain period of idle time and beginning the attract screen loop.

• The previous user’s history, including the cookies, cache and print queue are then cleared.

• Clearing the previous user’s history is imperative in making both the previous and potential user feel safe, and securing their personal information from the next user or any passerby.

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File Download Blocking

Kiosk system software can prevent dialog boxes from being shown and ultimately prevent file downloading altogether.

It is important to block dialog boxes from being shown; eventually a user could navigate to a Microsoft help link allowing access to browser windows and function-critical C: drive files.

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External Device Support

Kiosk system software also supports the integration of external devices for added security.

– Session end devices, such as retractable printers, retract printed materials immediately back into the kiosk at the end of a session.

– Security devices, such as security mats or proximity switches, sense whether users are standing at the kiosk, and will reset the application and clear the previous users’ history as soon as the user steps away.

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Remote Monitoring

From a central server, kiosk system software can manage multiple kiosks, specifically through remote monitoring and content updating.

Remote monitoring supervises the kiosk’s health by sending regular heartbeats to ensure the kiosk is up and running, as well as alerts for anomalies such as a paper jam. This feature also produces usage statistics and survey data for analysis.

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KioWare.com

KioWare offers Windows and Android™ kiosk software solutions. For a full list of products and features, visit KioWare.com

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